Knights host 90th birthday party for Bishop Reilly

By Tanya Connor
The Catholic Free Press
Prayers and praise, presentations and presence were his birthday gifts.
He received them with his trademark warm smile, outstretched hands and rousing rendition of “Danny Boy.”
The guest of honor was none other than Daniel P. Reilly, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Worcester.
On his 90th birthday – Saturday, May 12 – he was treated to a luncheon at St. John High School in Shrewsbury and a Mass in the chapel in his current home, Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living in Worcester. A reception for residents and guests followed the Mass. Among those present were his niece Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, her mother, Rosemary Reilly, and her sister, Louise Vozzella.
These gatherings were also to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Bishop Reilly’s priestly ordination, which is coming up May 30. The Worcester Chapter of the Knights of Columbus organized them with Notre Dame staff.
The Knights gave Notre Dame du Lac an initial check for $7,500, proceeds from the lunch and raffles, to help “take care of the people who take care of the bishop,” they said.
The Massachusetts State Council Knights of Columbus gave an additional contribution of $2,000, said Herman Millet, a former district deputy of the council. Any additional contributions are to be given at the Worcester chapter’s June meeting at Notre Dame, he said.
At Mass a plaque dedicating a refurbished chapel window to Bishop Reilly was unveiled.
Sister of Notre Dame Patricia McSharry, director of pastoral care, said they chose the Morning Star and Queen of Angels window, near where Bishop Reilly sits for daily Mass.
“You have become an important member of the Notre Dame community,” she told him. She said residents and staff enjoy being with him – his booming voice and the twinkle in his eyes brings smiles to their faces.
Sister Edie Daly, a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame leadership team, said the property once served only the sisters and told the bishop they’re delighted their home is now his too.
In his homily, Father Paul J. Tougas, a retired priest who sometimes celebrates Mass at Notre Dame, applied Scripture verses about long life to Bishop Reilly.
“You still have vigor; you still produce fruit,” he said.
Commenting on a verse about honoring one’s parents, he told the bishop, “You’ve shared … your love and respect for your mother.”
Speaking about choosing life in order to have life, Father Tougas told the bishop that his fight for the unborn is one of his strengths. He recalled a time when he was struck by the coldness of bystanders when Bishop Reilly stood outside an abortion facility. He said that it must not have been easy for the bishop to defend life.
“From where we sit on the state board, there’s nobody who’s been more supportive than Bishop Reilly,” Paul O’Sullivan, state deputy of the Massachusetts Knights, told The Catholic Free Press. “He reaches out to people” when there’s a disaster.
“We are so pro-life,” Mr. O’Sullivan said of the Knights. “And he has … given us more courage in staying out in the forefront of the Culture of Life.” He said the bishop inspired them, mostly by his example.
A Knights of Columbus honor guard and Police Pipes & Drums of Worcester welcomed Bishop Reilly to the luncheon at St. John’s, where there were prayers, remarks and symbolic gifts. A video made for the occasion, and photos of the bishop, were displayed on large screens.
Representatives of the Massachusetts State Council gave the bishop a certificate of appreciation and a model Knights license plate – with the number 90.
Alex Zequeira, St. John’s headmaster, told Bishop Reilly he was now an honorary alumnus. And a bench near St. John’s Angel of Peace statue will be dedicated to him for his service to the diocese and his friendship to the school, Mr. Zequeira said.
He recalled a picture of Pope Francis embracing a child and said, “I think of the embrace Bishop Reilly has had on our community – it’s been an embrace of love.”
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, of Shrewsbury, said that when she asked people if they knew the retired bishop they responded, “I loved Bishop Reilly.”
“Everybody loved you … you really, really cared,” she told him. “It was never about you.” It was about the people. And, upon retiring, he stayed in the Worcester Diocese and called it home, she said. She gave him a citation she and Gov. Charles Baker had signed.
Rep. Hannah Kane gave him a House of Representatives citation and told him she loves that “you wear your joy constantly.” Sen. Michael O. Moore gave him Senate citations.
Father Ray Introvigne, director of the charismatic renewal in the Norwich Diocese, said Bishop Reilly appointed him to that position 40 years ago when he was bishop there.
“He changed my life and my priesthood,” Father Introvigne said. He praised the bishop’s response to Vatican Council II and his bringing many ministries to life, thanked God for Bishop Reilly and asked blessings on him.
Later, Father Paul T. O’Connell, spiritual director for the event committee and associate judicial vicar for the diocese, had attendees stretch their hands out to bless the bishop.
“Bishop, we’re all here … to celebrate you and all of your legacy,” said Karen Laganelli, CEO of Notre Dame Health Care. “The stories we’re hearing today are so inspirational. … It’s a pleasure to have you in residence with us in community.”
Bishop Reilly told his story of his priestly vocation, and, when asked, belted out his beloved Irish song, “Danny Boy.”